On Lord, I have cried, eight stichera are sung:

Tone Two

by Germanos

Come, let us greatly rejoice in the Lord as we tell of this present mystery. The middle wall of partition has been destroyed; the flaming sword turns back, the cherubim withdraw from the tree of life, and I partake of the delight of Paradise from which I was cast out through disobedience. For the express Image of the Father, the Imprint of His eternity, takes the form of a servant, and without undergoing change He comes forth from a Mother who knew not wedlock. For what He was, He has remained, true God: and what He was not, He has taken upon Himself, becoming man through love for mankind. Unto Him let us cry aloud: God born of a Virgin, have mercy upon us (twice).

by Anatolios

When the Lord Jesus was born of the holy Virgin, all the world was enlightened. The shepherds watched in the fields, the Magi adored and the angels praised in song; but Herod was troubled: for God has appeared in the flesh, the Saviour of our souls (twice).

Thy Kingdom, O Christ our God, is a Kingdom of all the ages, and Thy rule is from generation to generation. Made flesh of the Holy Spirit and made man of the ever-Virgin Mary, Thou hast enlightened us by Thy coming. Light of Light, Brightness of the Father, Thou hast made the whole creation shine with joy. All that hath breath praises Thee, the Image of the glory of the Father. O God who art, and who hast ever been, who hast shone forth from a Virgin, have mercy upon us (twice).

What shall we offer Thee, O Christ, who for our sakes hast appeared on earth as man? Every creature made by Thee offers Thee thanks. The angels offer Thee a hymn; the heavens a star; the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder; the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger: and we offer Thee a Virgin Mother. O pre-eternal God, have mercy upon us (twice).

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Same Tone

by Cassia the nun

When Augustus reigned alone upon earth, the many kingdoms of men came to end: and when Thou wast made man of the pure Virgin, the many gods of idolatry were destroyed. The cities of the world passed under one single rule; and the nations came to believe in one sovereign Godhead. The peoples were enrolled by the decree of Caesar; and we, the faithful, were enrolled in the Name of the Godhead, when Thou, our God, wast made man. Great is Thy mercy: glory to Thee.

Entrance with the Gospel, O joyful light, and prokimenon of the day.

Lessons:

Reading from Genesis (1:1–13).

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called He Seas: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day.

Reading from Numbers (24:2–3, 5–9, 17–18).

The spirit of God came upon Balaam, and he took up his parable, and said: How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

Reading from the Prophet Micah (4:6–7, 5:2–4).

In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; and I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will He give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; and they shall abide: for now shall He be great unto the ends of the earth.

Then is said, standing:

Troparion

Tone Six

Thou wast born secretly in the cave, but heaven spoke through a star and proclaimed Thee to all, O Saviour. And it brought to Thee Magi, who worshipped Thee with faith: have mercy upon them and upon us.

℣ 1. His foundations are in the holy mountains: the Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalm 86:1–2).

And it brought to Thee Magi, who worshipped Thee with faith: have mercy upon them and upon us.

℣ 2. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me (Psalm 86:3–4).

And it brought to Thee Magi, who worshipped Thee with faith: have mercy upon them and upon us.

℣ 3. Behold Philistia and Tyre and the people of Ethiopia (Psalm 86:4).

And it brought to Thee Magi, who worshipped Thee with faith: have mercy upon them and upon us.

℣ 4. This and that man were born there. Zion is our mother, a man shall say, and such a man was born in her; and the Most High Himself hath established her (Psalm 86:4–5).

And it brought to Thee Magi, who worshipped Thee with faith: have mercy upon them and upon us.

℣ 5. The Lord shall recount, when He writeth up the people and the princes born in her. All rejoice to have their dwelling in thee (Psalm 86:6–7).

And it brought to Thee Magi, who worshipped Thee with faith: have mercy upon them and upon us.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Thou wast born secretly in the cave, but heaven spoke through a star and proclaimed Thee to all, O Saviour. And it brought to Thee Magi, who worshipped Thee with faith: have mercy upon them and upon us.

Lessons:

Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (11:1–10).

Thus saith the Lord: There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious.

Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah (Baruch 3:35–4:4).

This is our God, and there shall none other be accounted of in comparison of Him. He hath found out all the way of knowledge, and hath given it unto Jacob His servant, and to Israel His beloved. Afterward did He shew Himself upon earth, and conversed with men. This is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endureth for ever: all they that keep it shall come to life; but such as leave it shall die. Turn thee, O Jacob, and take hold of it; walk in the presence of the light thereof, that thou mayest be illuminated. Give not thine honour to another, nor the things that are profitable unto thee to a strange nation. O Israel, happy are we: for things that are pleasing to God are made known unto us.

Reading from the Prophet Daniel (2:31–36, 44–45).

Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar: Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. The God of Heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

Then is said, standing:

Troparion

Tone Six

Thou hast shone forth from a Virgin, O Christ, Thou spiritual Sun of Righteousness. And a star showed Thee, whom nothing can contain, contained within a cave. Thou hast led Magi to worship Thee, and joining them we magnify Thee: O Giver of life, glory to Thee.

℣ 1. The Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel: the Lord hath put on His apparel and girded Himself with strength (Psalm 92:1).

Thou hast led Magi to worship Thee, and joining them we magnify Thee: O Giver of life, glory to Thee.

℣ 2. He hath made the world so sure, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is prepared of old: Thou art from everlasting (Psalm 92:1–2).

Thou hast led Magi to worship Thee, and joining them we magnify Thee: O Giver of life, glory to Thee.

℣ 3. The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice: the floods lift up their waves at the voice of many waters (Psalm 92:3–4).

Thou hast led Magi to worship Thee, and joining them we magnify Thee: O Giver of life, glory to Thee.

℣ 4. Wonderful are the mighty waves of the sea; wonderful is the Lord on high. Thy testimonies are very sure (Psalm 92:4–5).

Thou hast led Magi to worship Thee, and joining them we magnify Thee: O Giver of life, glory to Thee.

℣ 5. Holiness becometh Thine house, O Lord, for ever (Psalm 92:5).

Thou hast led Magi to worship Thee, and joining them we magnify Thee: O Giver of life, glory to Thee.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Thou hast shone forth from a Virgin, O Christ, Thou spiritual Sun of Righteousness. And a star showed Thee, whom nothing can contain, contained within a cave. Thou hast led Magi to worship Thee, and joining them we magnify Thee: O Giver of life, glory to Thee.

Lessons:

Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (9:6–7).

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (7:10–16; 8:1–4, 9–10).

Moreover the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall He eat, that He may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. Moreover the Lord said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz. And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah. And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me, Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz. For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria. God is with us. Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.

Then follows the Small Litany, and after it the trisagion.

Then the Prokimenon before the Epistle:

Tone One

The Lord said unto Me: Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee (Psalm 2:7).

℣. Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance (Psalm 2:8).

Reading from the Epistle to the Hebrews (1:1–12).

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son? And again, when He bringeth in the first begotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him. And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom: Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands: they shall perish; but Thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail.

Alleluia:

Tone Eight

℣ 1. The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool (Psalm 109:1).

℣ 2. The Lord shall send Thee a rod of strength out of Zion (Psalm 109:2).

℣ 3. From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee (Psalm 109:3).

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (2:1–20).

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

And then the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.

Immediately after the Liturgy, a candle is lit and set in a candlestick in the middle of the church, and we sing:

Troparion of the Feast

Tone Four

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone upon the world with the light of knowledge: for thereby they who adored the stars through a star were taught to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness,and to know Thee the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory to Thee.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Kontakion of the Feast

Tone Three

Today the Virgin gives birth to Him who is above all being, and the earth offers a cave to Him whom no man can approach. Angels with shepherds give glory, and Magi journey with a star. For unto us is born a young Child, the pre-eternal God.

We begin Great Compline as usual with the opening blessing, Holy God…, etc., and the Lord’s Prayer. Then Kyrie eleison (12 times); Glory be to the Father… Both now…; O come, let us worship…; and the reading from the Psalter:

Psalms 4, 6, 12.

Glory be to the Father, etc.

Psalms 24, 30, 90.

Glory be to the Father, etc.

God is with us…

Now that I have passed through the day…

The bodiless powers of the cherubim…

I believe in one God…

O all-holy Lady Theotokos…

Then Holy God…, etc., and the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the troparion of the feast, Thy Nativity, O Christ our God…; Kyrie eleison, 40 times; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; Greater in honour than the cherubim…; In the Name of the Lord, give the blessing, Father.

The priest: At the prayers of our holy Fathers…

And the prayer, O Lord, Lord, who deliverest us from all the arrows…

Then O come, let us worship…, and the second reading from the Psalter:

Psalms 50, 101.

The Prayer of Manasses, King of Judah.

Then Holy God…, etc., and the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the kontakion of the feast, Today the Virgin gives birth…; Kyrie eleison, 40 times; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; Greater in honour than the cherubim…; In the Name of the Lord, give the blessing, Father.

The priest: At the prayers of our holy Fathers…

And the prayer:

O God the Master, Father Almighty, O Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son, and Thou, O Holy Spirit, one Godhead, one Power, have mercy upon me a sinner, and according to Thy divine judgement save me, Thine unworthy servant: for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then O come, let us worship…, and the third reading from the Psalter:

Psalms 69, 142.

The Small Doxology.

Immediately after the Doxology there follows the Lity:

Tone One

by John the Monk

Let heaven and earth today make glad prophetically. Angels and men, let us keep spiritual feast. For God, born of a woman, has appeared in the flesh to those that sit in darkness and shadow. A cave and a manger have received Him. Shepherds announce the wonder; Magi from the east offer gifts in Bethlehem. Let us, then, from our unworthy lips offer praise like the angels: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace. For the Expectation of the nations has come, He has come and saved us from the bondage of the enemy.

Same Tone

by the same

Heaven and earth are united today, for Christ is born. Today has God come upon earth, and man gone up to heaven. Today for man’s sake is seen in the flesh He who by nature is invisible. Therefore let us also give glory and cry aloud to Him: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, which Thy coming has bestowed upon us, O Saviour: glory to Thee.

Same Tone

by the same

‘Glory to God in the highest’, I hear today in Bethlehem from the angels, glory to Him whose good pleasure it was that there be peace on earth. The Virgin is now more spacious than the heavens. Light has shone upon those in darkness, and has exalted the lowly who sing like the angels: Glory to God in the highest.

Same Tone

Beholding him that was in God’s image and likeness fallen through the transgression, Jesus bowed the heavens and came down, and without changing He took up His dwelling in a Virgin womb: that thereby He might fashion corrupt Adam anew, who cried to Him: ‘Glory to Thine Epiphany, O my Deliverer and my God.’

Glory be to the Father…

Tone Five

by John the Monk

The Magi, kings of Persia, knew with assurance that Thou, the heavenly King, wast born on earth. Led by the light of a star they came to Bethlehem, and offered their chosen gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Falling before Thee they worshipped Thee: for they saw Thee who art timeless lying as a babe in the cave.

Both now…

Tone Six

by Germanos

All the angels in heaven are of good cheer and greatly rejoice today. The whole creation leaps with joy, for the Saviour and Lord is born in Bethlehem. Every error of idolatry has ceased, and Christ reigns unto all ages.

Aposticha:

Tone Two

by Germanos

A great and marvellous wonder has come to pass this day. A Virgin bears child, and her womb suffers no corruption. The Word is made flesh, yet ceases not to dwell with the Father. Angels and shepherds give glory, and with them we cry aloud: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace.

℣. The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool (Psalm 109:1).

Tone Three

by the same

Today the Virgin gives birth to the Maker of all. Eden offers a cave and a star discloses Christ, the Sun, to those in darkness. Magi, enlightened by faith, worship with gifts: shepherds behold the wonder and angels sing praises, saying: Glory to God in the highest.

℣. From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee (Psalm 109:3).

Same Tone

by Anatolios

When the Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judah, Magi coming from the east worshipped God made man. And eagerly opening their treasures, they offered to Him precious gifts: refined gold, as to the King of the ages, and frankincense, as to the God of all; and myrrh they offered to the Immortal, as to one three days dead. Come, all ye nations, and let us worship Him, who was born to save our souls.

Glory be to the Father…

Tone Four

by John the Monk

Make glad, O Jerusalem, and all ye who love Zion, keep feast. Today the ancient bond of the condemnation of Adam is loosed. Paradise is opened to us: the serpent is laid low. Of old he deceived the woman in Paradise, but now he sees a woman become Mother of the Creator. O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! The sinful vessel that brought death upon all flesh has through the Theotokos become the first fruits of salvation for the whole world. For God the All-perfect is born a babe of her, and by His birth He sets the seal upon her virginity. Through His swaddling clothes He looses the bands of sin, and through becoming child He heals Eve’s pangs in travail. Therefore let all creation sing and dance for joy, for Christ has come to restore it and to save our souls.

Both now…

Same Tone

by Anatolios

Thou hast come to dwell in a cave, O Christ our God, and the manger received Thee; shepherds and Magi worshipped Thee. Then was the preaching of the prophets fulfilled, and the angelic powers marvelled, crying aloud and saying: ‘Glory to Thy condescension, O Thou who alone lovest mankind.’

Apolytikion (troparion) of the feast:

Tone Four

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone upon the world with the light of knowledge: for thereby they who adored the stars through a star were taught to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory to Thee.

And the Dismissal.

After the first reading from the Psalter, sessional hymn:

Tone Four

Come, O ye faithful, and let us behold where Christ is born. Let us join the Magi, kings from the east, and follow the guiding star. Angels sing praises there without ceasing, and shepherds abiding in the fields offer a fitting hymn, saying: ‘Glory in the highest to Him who in the cave this day is born of the Virgin and Theotokos, in Bethlehem of Judah.’

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

After the second reading from the Psalter, sessional hymn:

Same Tone

Why art thou filled with wonder, O Mary? Why art thou amazed at that which is come to pass in thee? ‘Because I have given birth in time to the timeless Son, yet understand not how I have conceived Him. I have not known man: how then shall I bear a child? Who has ever seen a birth without seed?’ But, as it is written, ‘Where God so wills, the order of nature is overcome.’ Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem of Judah.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

After the polyeleos, the megalynarion:

We magnify Thee, O Christ the Giver of life, who wast born in the flesh for us this day from her that knew not wedlock, the All-Pure Virgin Mary.

℣. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth (Psalm 65:1).

We magnify Thee…

℣. Our God is in heaven and on earth: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased (Psalm 113:11).

We magnify Thee…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory be to Thee, O God (three times).

We magnify Thee…

Sessional hymn:

Tone Four

How is He contained in a womb, whom nothing can contain? And how can He who is in the bosom of the Father be held in the arms of His Mother? This is according to His good pleasure, as He knoweth and wisheth. For being without flesh, of His own will has He been made flesh; and He who is, for our sakes has become that which He was not. Without departing from His own nature He has shared in our substance. Desiring to fill the world on high with citizens, Christ has undergone a twofold birth.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

The first antiphon of the hymn of degrees in Tone Four.

Prokimenon:

Tone Four

From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee: the Lord hath sworn and will not repent (Psalm 109:3–4).

℣. The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool (Psalm 109:1).

Let everything that hath breath…

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (1:18–25).

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His name Jesus.

Psalm 50.

Glory be to the Father…

Tone Two

All things are filled with joy today: Christ is born of the Virgin.

Both now…

All things are filled with joy…

Have mercy upon me…

Tone Six

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace. Today Bethlehem receives Him that at all times ever sits with the Father. Today angels glorify with holy hymns the Babe that is born. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.

Two Canons are used: the first by St. Cosmas in eight troparia, including the irmos, and the second by St. John of Damascus in six, likewise including the irmos. The two irmoi are then repeated as katavasia at the end of each canticle. Before the troparia we say, Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Canticle One

First Canon

Tone One

Irmos: Christ is born, give ye glory. Christ comes from heaven, meet ye Him. Christ is on earth, be ye exalted. O all the earth, sing unto the Lord, and sing praises in gladness, O ye people, for He has been glorified.

Man fell from the divine and better life: though made in the image of God, through transgression he became wholly subject to corruption and decay. But now the wise Creator fashions him anew: for He has been glorified.

The Creator, when He saw man perishing, whom He had made with His own hands, bowed the heavens and came down; and from the divine and pure Virgin did He take all man’s substance, being made truly flesh: for He has been glorified.

Wisdom and Word and Power, Christ our God is the Son and the Brightness of the Father; and unknown to the powers both above and upon the earth, He was made man, and so has won us back again: for He has been glorified.

Second Canon

written originally in iambic verse

Same Tone

Irmos: Of old the Master that works wonders saved His people,

Making the watery wave of the sea into dry land;

And now of His own will has He been born from a Maiden,

And so He establishes a path for us whereby we may mount to heaven.

We glorify Him who in essence is equal to the Father and to mortal men.

Plainly foreshadowed by the burning bush that was not consumed,

A hallowed womb has borne the Word.

God is mingled with the form of mortal men,

And so He looses the unhappy womb of Eve from the bitter curse of old.

We men give Him glory.

A star shewed plainly to the Magi

The Word that was before the sun, who has come to make transgression cease.

They saw Thee wrapped in swaddling clothes, within a poor and lowly cave,

Who sharest all our sufferings,

And in joy they gazed upon Thee, who art at once both man and Lord.

Canticle Three

First Canon

Irmos: To the Son who was begotten of the Father without change before all ages, and in the last times was without seed made flesh of the Virgin, to Christ our God let us cry aloud: Thou hast raised up our horn, holy art Thou, O Lord.

Adam, though formed from dust, shared in the higher breath of life; yet through the beguilement of a woman he slipped and fell into corruption. But now, beholding Christ born of a woman, he cries aloud, ‘O Thou who for my sake hast become as I am, holy art Thou, O Lord.’

O Christ, who hast made Thyself in the form of a creature of vile clay, by Thy sharing in that which is worse, even our flesh, Thou hast made us partakers in the divine nature; for Thou hast become mortal man, yet still remainest God. Thou hast raised up our horn, holy art Thou, O Lord.

Be glad, O Bethlehem, for thou art Queen among the princes of Judah; for from thee comes forth, before the sight of all, the Shepherd who tends Israel, He that is seated upon the cherubim, even Christ. He has raised up our horn and reigns over all.

Second Canon

Irmos: Graciously accept, O Benefactor, the praises of Thy servants,

And bring down the despiteful and haughty looks of the enemy.

O blessed Lord who seest all, raise us up far above sin,

And establish Thy singers firm and unshaken

Upon the foundation of the faith.

The choir of shepherds abiding in the fields was overwhelmed

By the strange sight they were counted worthy to behold:

For they looked upon the all-blessed Offspring of an all-pure Bride;

And they saw also the ranks of bodiless angels, who sang

In praise of Christ the King, incarnate without seed.

He who rules the heights of heaven, in His compassion,

Has become such as we are, born of a Maiden who has not known man.

The Word who before was wholly outside matter, in these last times

Has assumed the material substance of the flesh

That so He might draw unto Himself fallen Adam, the first-formed man.

Ypakoë

Tone Eight

Calling the Magi by a star, heaven brought the first fruits of the Gentiles unto Thee, a Babe lying in the manger: and they were amazed to see neither sceptre nor throne but only utter poverty. For what is meaner than a cave, what is humbler than swaddling clothes? Yet therein shone forth the wealth of Thy divinity: glory to Thee, O Lord.

Or else the sessional hymn:

Tone Eight

Greatly rejoice, O heaven; be glad, O earth. For the Lamb of God has been born on earth, granting the world forgiveness. The Word who is in the bosom of the Father has come forth without seed from the Virgin. The Magi were struck with wonder, seeing Him born in Bethlehem as a child; and all things give Him glory.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

Canticle Four

First Canon

Irmos: Rod of the root of Jesse, and flower that blossomed from his stem, O Christ, Thou hast sprung from the Virgin. From the Mountain overshadowed by the forest Thou hast come, made flesh from her that knew not wedlock, O God who art not formed from matter. Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

O Christ, whom Jacob foretold in days of old, calling Thee the Expectation of the nations, Thou hast shone forth from the tribe of Judah, and Thou hast come to plunder the strength of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria, turning their error into faith beautiful to God. Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

O Master who hast risen as a Star out of Jacob, Thou hast filled with joy the watchers of the stars, who interpreted wisely the words of Balaam, the soothsayer of old. As the first fruits of the Gentiles were they led unto Thee, and Thou hast openly received them, as they brought Thee acceptable gifts. Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

As dew upon the fleece hast Thou descended into the womb of the Virgin, O Christ, and as drops of rain that fall upon the earth. Ethiopia and Tarshish and the isles of Arabia, the kings of Saba, of the Medes and all the earth, fell down before Thee, O Saviour. Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Second Canon

Irmos: Of old Habakkuk the Prophet was counted worthy

To behold ineffably the figure and symbol of Christ’s birth,

And he foretold in song the renewal of mankind.

For a young babe, even the Word, has now come forth from the Mountain that is the Virgin,

Unto the renewal of the peoples.

Of Thine own will, O Most High, Thou hast come forth equal to mortal men,

Taking flesh from the Virgin,

To purge the poison of the serpent’s head.

God by nature, Thou leadest all

From the gates that know no sun to the life-giving light.

O ye people that before were sunk in corruption,

But now have escaped wholly from the perdition of the adversary,

Lift up your hands and clap them in songs of praise,

Honouring Christ alone, our Benefactor,

Who in His compassion is come into our midst.

O Virgin, sprung from the root of Jesse,

Thou hast passed beyond the boundaries of human nature,

For Thou hast borne the pre-eternal Word of the Father.

According to His good pleasure, by a strange self-emptying,

He passed through thy womb, yet kept it sealed.

Canticle Five

First Canon

Irmos: As Thou art God of peace and Father of mercies, Thou hast sent unto us Thine Angel of great counsel, granting us peace. So are we guided towards the light of the knowledge of God, and watching by night we glorify Thee, O Lover of mankind.

Obedient to the decree of Caesar, Thou wast enrolled among his servants, O Christ, and Thou hast set us free who were servants of the enemy and of sin. Sharing wholly in our poverty, Thou hast made our clay godlike through Thy union and participation in it.

Lo, the Virgin, as it was said in days of old, has conceived in her womb and brought forth God made man; and she has remained still a Virgin. Reconciled to God through her, let us sinners sing her praises, for she is verily the Theotokos.

Second Canon

Irmos: From the night of deeds of dark error we watch vigilantly,

And sing to Thee, O Christ, as to our Benefactor.

Come to us and grant us cleansing:

Make the path easy for us,

Whereby we may ascend and so attain to glory.

The Master, by His coming in the flesh, has cut clean through

The harsh enmity of the flesh against Him,

And has destroyed the might of the murderer of our souls.

Uniting the world to the immaterial essences,

He has made the Father merciful to the creation.

The people that before walked in darkness

This day have seen a light from the beacon on high.

The Son offers to God the nations as His inheritance,

Bestowing grace past telling

Where sin once flourished more abundantly.

Canticle Six

First Canon

Irmos: The sea monster spat forth Jonah as it had received him, like a babe from the womb: while the Word, having dwelt in the Virgin and taken flesh, came forth from her yet kept her uncorrupt. For being Himself not subject to decay, He preserved His Mother free from harm.

Christ our God, whom the Father begat from the womb before the morning star, has come, made flesh; and He who holds the reins of the undefiled powers, is laid in a manger of dumb beasts. He who looses the tangled cords of sin, is wrapped in swaddling rags.

From the substance of Adam a young child, a Son, is born and given unto the faithful. He is the Father and Prince of the Age to Come, and He is called the Angel of great counsel. He is the mighty God and holds in His dominion the creation.

Second Canon

Irmos: Enclosed in the uttermost depths of the sea,

Jonah entreated Thee to come and still the storm.

And I, O Christ, pricked by the dart of the tyrant,

Call upon Thee, the Slayer of evil,

Beseeching Thee to come quickly and deliver me from my slothfulness.

God the Word, who was in the beginning with God,

Seeing our nature powerless to guard unharmed

Its ancient fellowship with Him, now grants it new strength:

Abasing Himself, in a second act of fellowship

He makes it once again free from the passions.

For our sakes He has come forth from the loins of Abraham,

To raise up as His sons those who were sadly fallen

Into the darkness of sin that bowed them down to the earth;

And He that dwells in light has now been pleased, despite His high dignity,

To dwell in a manger for the salvation of mankind.

Kontakion

Tone Three

by Romanos the Melodist

Today the Virgin gives birth to Him who is above all being, and the earth offers a cave to Him whom no man can approach. Angels with shepherds give glory, and Magi journey with a star. For unto us is born a young Child, the pre-eternal God.

Ikos

Bethlehem has opened Eden: come, and let us see. We have found joy in secret: come, and let us take possession of the paradise that is within the cave. There the unwatered Root has appeared, from which forgiveness flowers forth: there is found the undug Well, whence David longed to drink of old. There the Virgin has borne a Babe, and made the thirst of Adam and David to cease straightway. Therefore let us hasten to this place where now is born a young Child, the pre-eternal God.

Canticle Seven

First Canon

Irmos: Scorning the impious decree, the Children brought up together in godliness feared not the threat of fire, but, standing in the midst of the flames, they sang: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

The shepherds abiding in the fields received a vision of light that filled them with terror. For the glory of the Lord shone around them and an angel cried aloud: ‘Sing praises, for Christ is born. O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

At the word of the angel, the hosts of heaven suddenly cried aloud: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men; Christ has shone forth. O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

‘What are these tidings?’ said the shepherds. ‘Let us go and see this thing which is come to pass, even Christ our God.’ And coming to Bethlehem, they worshipped with her who had given Him birth, as they cried aloud: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

Second Canon

Irmos: Caught and held fast by love for the King of all,

The Children despised the impious threats of the tyrant

In his boundless fury;

And as the terrible fire withdrew before them,

They said to the Master, ‘Unto all ages blessed art Thou.’

The seething and roaring furnace, heated sevenfold,

In its fury burnt up the servants of the king,

But spared the Children:

For as the flame encircled them, the Lord,

Rewarding their godliness, shed upon them abundant dew.

O Christ our Defender, Thou hast put to shame the adversary of man,

Using as shield Thine ineffable Incarnation.

Taking man’s form, Thou hast now bestowed upon him the joy

Of becoming godlike: for it was in hope of this

That of old we fell from on high into the dark depths of the earth.

Thou hast overthrown by Thine almighty power

The fierce sin that raised its head in wanton pride,

And raged with blasphemy throughout a world gone mad.

Those whom in times past it dragged down, today

Thou hast delivered from its snares,

O Benefactor, who of Thine own will hast taken flesh.

Canticle Eight

First Canon

Irmos: The furnace moist with dew was the image and figure of a wonder past nature. For it burnt not the Children whom it had received, even as the fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgin’s womb into which it had descended. Therefore in praise let us sing: Let the whole creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

The daughter of Babylon once led captive from Zion the children of David, whom she had taken with the sword: but now she sends her own children, the Magi bearing gifts, to entreat the Daughter of David in whom God came to dwell. Therefore in praise let us sing: Let the whole creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

Sorrow silenced the harps of the children of Zion, for they sang not among strangers; while Christ, shining forth in Bethlehem, destroys all the error of Babylon and all the music of her instruments. Therefore in praise let us sing: Let the whole creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

Babylon despoiled Zion the Queen and took her wealth captive. But Christ by a guiding star drew to Zion the treasures of Babylon, with her kings who gazed upon the stars. Therefore in praise let us sing: Let the whole creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

Second Canon

Irmos: The Children of the Old Covenant who walked in the fire, yet were not burnt,

Prefigured the womb of the Maiden that remained sealed, When she gave birth in fashion past nature.

It was the same grace of God that brought both these wonders to pass in a miracle

And rouses the peoples to sing in praise.

Shunning the guilt of its vain attempt to become as God,

The whole creation sings, like the three Children, in praise of the eternal Word, who now empties Himself:

Yet sings with trembling, afraid to bring

A prayer unacceptable to God, for it is subject to decay,

Even though the divine wisdom maintains it ever in being.

Thou hast come, O Resurrection of the nations,

To bring back the nature of man from its wanderings,

Leading it from the hills of the wilderness to a pasture rich in flowers.

Do Thou destroy the violent strength of the murderer of man,

O Thou who in Thy providence hast appeared as man and God.

Canticle Nine

The Magnificat and Greater in honour than the cherubim are not sung, but are replaced by the following megalynaria:

First Canon

Magnify, O my soul, her who is greater in honour and more glorious than the hosts on high.

Irmos: A strange and most wonderful mystery do I see: the cave is heaven; the Virgin the throne of the cherubim; the manger a room, in which Christ, the God whom nothing can contain, is laid. Him do we praise and magnify.

Repeat the megalynarion and the irmos.

Magnify, O my soul, God born in the flesh from the Virgin.

The Magi, beholding the strange course of an unknown and newly shining star that exceeded the brightness of all heavenly light, learnt thereby that Christ the King was born on earth in Bethlehem for our salvation.

Magnify, O my soul, the King born in the cave.

The Magi, beholding the strange course…

Magnify, O my soul, God worshipped by the Magi.

‘Where is the new-born Child and King, whose star we have seen?’ the Magi said. ‘For we are come to worship Him.’ Herod, the enemy of God, was troubled, and in his wild madness he plotted how to kill Christ.

Magnify, O my soul, Him who was revealed to the Magi by a star.

‘Where is the new-born Child…’

Magnify, O my soul, the pure Virgin who has given birth to Christ the King.

Herod inquired what time the guiding star appeared, which brought the Magi to Bethlehem, there to worship Christ with gifts. Led back to their own land by that same star, they returned not to Herod, but mocked the wicked slayer of children.

Magi and shepherds came to worship Christ, born in the city of Bethlehem.

Herod inquired what time the guiding star…

Second Canon

Today the Virgin bears the Master within the cave.

Irmos: It would be easier for us, because free from all danger,

To keep silence in fear:

While it is hard indeed, O Virgin, in love to devise songs

Harmoniously put together. But do thou, O Mother,

Give us strength that so we may fulfil our good intent.

Today the Master is born as a babe of a Virgin Mother.

It would be easier for us…

Today shepherds behold the Saviour wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

Today the Master who cannot be touched is wrapped as a babe in swaddling rags.

We have seen, O pure Mother, the dim figures of the Word

And the shades that are past;

And now that He has newly appeared from the closed gate,

We who are counted worthy to behold the Light of truth,

As is meet and right, bless Thy womb.

Today all creation rejoices greatly and makes glad, for Christ is born of a Virgin Maid.

The Powers of heaven declare unto the world that the Saviour, Lord, and Master has been born.

We have seen, O pure Mother…

Magnify, O my soul, the power of the undivided Godhead in three Persons.

The people that delights in Christ has attained its desire,

Being counted worthy of the coming of God,

And now they humbly pray for the regeneration that gives life.

O undefiled Virgin, grant them the grace.

To worship Christ in His glory.

Magnify, O my soul, her that has delivered us from the curse.

The people that delights in Christ…

Katavasia

The first megalynarion and the irmos of the first Canon; and likewise the first megalynarion and the irmos of the second Canon.

Exapostilarion:

Our Saviour, the Dayspring from the east, has visited us from on high, and we who were in darkness and shadow have found the truth: for the Lord is born of the Virgin (three times).

Lauds. Four stichera are sung:

Tone Four

by Andrew of Jerusalem

Make glad, O ye righteous; greatly rejoice, O ye heavens; ye mountains, dance for joy. Christ is born; and like the cherubim the Virgin makes a throne, carrying at her bosom God the Word made flesh. Shepherds glorify the new-born Child, Magi offer the Master gifts. Angels sing praises, saying: ‘O Lord past understanding, glory to Thee.’

It was the good pleasure of the Father: the Word became flesh, and the Virgin bore God made man. A star spreads abroad the tidings: the Magi worship, the shepherds stand amazed, and the creation is filled with mighty joy.

O Theotokos Virgin who hast borne the Saviour, thou hast overthrown the ancient curse of Eve. For thou hast become the Mother of Him in whom the Father was well pleased, and hast carried at thy bosom God the incarnate Word. We cannot fathom this mystery: but by faith alone we all glorify it, crying with thee and saying: O Lord past all interpretation, glory to Thee.

O come, let us sing the praises of the Mother of the Saviour, who after bearing child still remained Virgin. Rejoice, thou Living City of God the King, in which Christ has dwelt, bringing to pass our salvation. With Gabriel we sing thy praises; with the shepherds we glorify thee, crying: O Theotokos, intercede for our salvation with Him who took flesh from thee.

Glory be to the Father…

Tone Six

by Germanos

When it was time for Thy coming upon earth, the first taxation of the world was held; and then Thou madest ready to enrol the names of all who believed in Thy birth. For this cause Caesar published such a decree, since Thy timeless and eternal Kingdom was newly made manifest. Therefore as we pay our earthly tribute money, at the same time we offer Thee the wealth of our Orthodox faith, O God and Saviour of our souls.

Both now…

Tone Two

by John the Monk

Today Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem. Today He who knows no beginning now begins to be, and the Word is made flesh. The powers of heaven greatly rejoice, and the earth with mankind makes glad. The Magi offer gifts, the shepherds proclaim the marvel, and we cry aloud without ceasing: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.

Great Doxology and Dismissal.

Antiphon One

Tone Two

℣ 1. I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will speak of all Thy marvellous works (Psalm 9:1).

At the prayers of the Theotokos, save us, O Saviour.

℣ 2. In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation: the works of the Lord are great (Psalm 110:1–2).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

℣ 3. They are sought out according to all His purposes (Psalm 110:2).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

℣ 4. His work is honourable and glorious: and His righteousness endureth for ever (Psalm 110:3).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

Antiphon Two

Same Tone

℣ 1. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: that delighteth greatly in His commandments (Psalm 111:1).

O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia.

℣ 2. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed (Psalm 111:).

O Son of God…

℣ 3. Glory and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever (Psalm 111:3).

O Son of God…

℣ 4. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, full of compassion, and righteous (Psalm 111:4).

O Son of God…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

O Only-begotten Son and Word of God…

Antiphon Three

Tone Four

℣ 1. The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool (Psalm 109:1).

The troparion of the feast:

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone upon the world with the light of knowledge: for thereby they who adored the stars through a star were taught to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory to Thee.

℣ 2. The Lord shall send Thee a rod of strength out of Zion (Psalm 109:2).

The troparion of the feast.

℣ 3. With Thee is dominion in the day of Thy power: in the beauties of Thy saints (Psalm 109:3).

The troparion of the feast.

Introit:

From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 109:3–4).

O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia.

Then the troparion of the feast; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; the kontakion of the feast.

Instead of the trisagion we sing:

As many of you as were baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia.

Prokimenon:

Tone Eight

Let all the earth worship Thee and sing unto Thee: let them sing unto Thy Name (Psalm 65:4).

℣. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: sing forth the honour of His Name; make His praise glorious (Psalm 65:1–2).

Reading from the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians (4:4–7).

Brethren, when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Alleluia:

Tone One

℣ 1. The heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament sheweth His handiwork (Psalm 18:2).

℣ 2. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge (Psalm 18:3).

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (2:1–12).

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

In place of It is meet, we sing the megalynarion and irmos from Canticle Nine of the first Canon.

Magnify, O my soul, her who is greater in honour and more glorious than the hosts on high.

Irmos: A strange and most wonderful mystery do I see: the cave is heaven; the Virgin the throne of the cherubim; the manger a room, in which Christ, the God whom nothing can contain, is laid. Him do we praise and magnify.

Communion verse:

The Lord hath sent deliverance unto His people (Psalm 110:9).

From Christmas Day until 4 January inclusive there is a general dispensation from all fasting.